Wesley ruled out of World Cup with serious adductor injury

Roma travel to Turin on Monday at 18:30 for a Serie A fixture at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino following a 1–1 Champions League draw. Manu Koné's availability is in doubt after the midfielder reported knee discomfort in the match against Fenerbahce and will be monitored day by day. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will address the press on Sunday ahead of the match. At the World Legends Padel Tour, Francesco Totti and Luca Toni offered contrasting assessments of Roma's season. Totti praised the squad's early momentum and the partnership between Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen, describing it as one of the strongest available. He stressed that direct comparisons to Roma's 2001 championship-winning team are reductive, and that winning requires consistency and a deep squad. He confirmed his presence at the stadium and joked about a dinner with Gasperini. Toni praised the team's defensive stability, Dybala's form, and the impact of the new centre-forward, whom he judged well-suited to Gasperini's style of play. He cautioned that the real test will come with fixtures every three days and against Inter, whom he named the strongest squad for depth. Toni nevertheless called Roma credible contenders for the Scudetto, citing enthusiasm, balance, and continuity as their strengths. Of Malen, he said: "He is a striker I really like." Meanwhile, the Roma ultras organisations UTR and AIRC have renewed their protest against a ban on away travel for Roma supporters based in Rome and the surrounding province, describing the measure as unjust and automatically applied without connection to genuine public order concerns. Roma and the organised supporter groups have both expressed opposition to the travel ban for the Turin match, with the supporters' statement criticising the policy as discriminatory and noting it has drawn criticism from UEFA. The club has stated its disagreement with the restriction.

Manu Koné has been cleared of injury following his substitution in the Fenerbahce match, avoiding the need for medical scans. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had flagged a physical issue during his post-match press conference, but tests showed nothing serious. Koné is unlikely to start against Torino, opening the door for Niccolò Pisilli to feature in midfield. Leonardo Balerdi is in contention for the defence after impressing when introduced yesterday. The Argentine defender rejected a move to Boca Juniors over the summer after Roma's approach convinced him to stay. In attack, Donyell Malen and Santiago Castro will rotate, as Gasperini continues to manage the forward line. Balerdi posted a lengthy farewell to Olympique Marseille on social media this evening.

Inter will have Federico Dimarco available for their match against Roma on Saturday, barring any setback. The Italian defender is recovering from an injury that forced him to miss Inter's Champions League trip to Real Madrid and trained partially with the squad this morning. He could also be included in Inter's lineup for their Monday fixture at Udine. Djed Spence, by contrast, remains unavailable — he is still training separately and is unlikely to feature against Roma. Roma travel to face Torino on Monday before hosting Inter on Saturday, two matches in five days that will provide early indicators of the teams' title ambitions. After three matches, Roma sit top of Serie A on a perfect record, level with Lazio and Inter, the defending Italian champions. Inter boss Chivu will have Dimarco in contention for the big match, but Spence's absence will limit his options in defence.

Roma's opening Champions League match in Istanbul provided a revealing examination of individual readiness at the competition's highest level, exposing both natural fit and shortcomings that Serie A sometimes masks. Manu Koné emerged as the clearest success story. Until a knee injury forced his substitution at the 52nd minute, he appeared to raise his game as the match intensified, showing pressure, physical duels, ball protection and the ability to break the first press. Donyell Malen proved similarly suited to matches where chances are limited and the capacity to attack space becomes decisive. Mile Svilar's performance raised only the question of how far he can progress in the competition. Paulo Dybala demonstrated that while understanding how to play at this level has never been his problem, availability remains the constraint. When his physical condition allows, the Champions League remains his natural habitat: he takes possession facing forward, makes precise decisions, and creates space where others see none. Gianluca Mancini's European credentials are not in doubt, but Istanbul confirmed he appears less sharp and reactive than his usual standard. His replacement by Leonardo Balerdi sharpened the contrast; the Argentine entered immediately into the match's intensity, bringing aggression and intensity. Nahuel Molina passed a significant test, showing he can handle the demands placed on full-backs across both phases. Wesley posed a tactical question: at left-back with his weaker foot, Fenerbahçe systematically closed his inside corridor, forcing him onto the byline with his left foot and making him more predictable. Rodrigo Mora, frequently called upon by Gian Piero Gasperini, revealed that the Champions League is also a physical examination. Pressed, challenged and confined to tight spaces, he could not impose himself as he knows he can. Matías Soulé discovered that talent must be paired with better decision-making as margins shrink. Dybala, Koné, Malen and Svilar appear ready for this dimension; Balerdi entered with force and Molina withstood the impact. Mancini must rediscover his sharpness, Wesley needs a tactical solution, and Mora requires the physical tools to express his talent at this level.

Bryan Cristante has praised Wesley following Roma's match against Fenerbahce in Istanbul, highlighting the left-back's contribution during his debut season in Serie A. Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil after the fixture, the Roma captain said: "Strong player, you could see it already in his first season in Italy, which is never easy. He did very well and is continuing to do well. He's a very good lad, I wish him and his national team all the best." Wesley has proven one of Roma's standout acquisitions, initially signed to operate on the right flank but establishing himself as a regular starter on the left wing throughout the season. His campaign has produced notable returns both defensively and in attacking contribution. The left-back's performances have made a significant impact as the club competes in Serie A's opening phase.

Wesley's performances for Roma have attracted attention from outside Italy. Scouts from Arsenal and Atlético Madrid were reportedly in Istanbul on 10 September to observe the Brazilian defender closely during Fenerbahçe's match against Roma. Both Premier League and La Liga clubs are now monitoring Wesley's development with interest, and could attempt to sign him in the January transfer window. Roma, however, have no intention of letting him leave easily. The club's valuation is substantial: any potential sale would require an offer of at least €55–60 million.